
By Lincoln DePradine
Millions of Canadians know Andria Case or know of her, even though many may never have met her in person.
Nova Scotia-born Dr Mayann Elizabeth Francis, too, is another prominent Canadian, who has served in a senior position with the government of Ontario and in the District Attorney’s office in Kings County, New York.
Francis was appointed Nova Scotia’s Lieutenant Governor in 2006 – the first Black Nova Scotian and the second woman to hold the vice-regal position in the province; she served until 2012.
Case, a veteran broadcast journalist who was born in the UK to Jamaican parents, is an anchor on CTV News Toronto. She and Francis will be among a group that soon will be recognized as Accomplished Black Canadian (ABC) Women.
“All of these women have made considerable contributions and have made an impact over several decades to our youth and the fabric of Canada,” said Dauna Jones-Simmonds, co-founder of “100ABCWomen”.

The 2024 edition of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women will include an awards’ ceremony and the launch of a book featuring Case, Francis and the rest of this year’s group of 98 other ABC Women.
Organizers also are planning on holding a symposium.
The “100ABCWomen” was inaugurated in 2016 as a joint project involving Jones-Simmonds, university administrator and educator Dr Denise O’Neil Green, and Dr Jean Augustine.
The goal of “100ABCWomen”, they say, “is to inspire Black girls and women by shining a light on the many contributions Black women have made and continue to make in Canadian society”.
The awards this year bring to 500 the number of women recognized since ABC Women was first launched.
“We are excited to reach this amazing milestone of 500 Accomplished Black Canadian Women who have now been recognized for their achievements,” said Jones-Simmonds.
The “100ABCWomen” symposium, presented by TD Bank and Heritage Canada, is titled “Building A Black History Education Curriculum”.
It will be held, 6 pm to 9 pm, Friday, September 27, at Woodbine Banquet Hall, 30 Vice Regent Boulevard, Etobicoke.
The same venue will be used by the “100ABCWomen” for its book launch and awards’ ceremony on Saturday, September 28, starting 6 pm.
Further information is available by calling 647-290-7610.
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter